Cheney Brings Controversial Legacy to Democrats After Turning on Trump
Mollie Hemingway, editor-in-chief of The Federalist, shared her thoughts on Fox News earlier this week about the impact former Representative Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming) has had on both political parties. According to Hemingway, Cheney left her previous party with a parting gift when she brought a politically "toxic" characteristic to the Democrats.
During the discussion with host Maria Bartiromo, Hemingway criticized President Joe Biden’s decision to award Cheney the Medal of Freedom—the highest civilian honor in the U.S.—saying it was inappropriate given Cheney’s conduct as co-chair of the highly controversial January 6th Committee. Hemingway argued that Cheney ultimately transferred her "very unpopular, politically toxic, neocon interventionism" to the Democratic Party.
"This award to Liz Cheney is really inappropriate. She was hand-picked by Nancy Pelosi to run a highly partisan committee that lacked balance," Hemingway stated.
Hemingway further alleged that Cheney committed serious misconduct during the committee’s investigations into the January 6th events at the U.S. Capitol. “In the course of leading that committee, Cheney engaged in obstruction of justice and witness tampering. There is significant reason to believe she influenced the legal representation of Cassidy Hutchinson, a former aide to Mark Meadows. Additionally, she withheld evidence that could have exonerated Donald Trump,” Hemingway charged.
Hemingway highlighted what she claimed to be one of Cheney’s major missteps. “Cheney insisted that Donald Trump did not request security at the Capitol, but evidence shows that a deputy chief of staff reported hearing Trump suggest deploying 10,000 National Guard troops. The chief of staff even encouraged the D.C. mayor to request this assistance,” Hemingway explained.
“Yet Cheney concealed this information and failed to release it until Republicans regained control of the House,” Hemingway continued. “This is not someone deserving of an honor like the Medal of Freedom. Her actions—obstructing justice, witness tampering—are serious allegations.”
When Bartiromo questioned whether Cheney’s actions could constitute legal violations, Hemingway didn’t rule out the possibility. “There are reports suggesting a pardon might be in consideration because of her legal exposure,” Hemingway noted. “At the very least, an investigation is warranted.”
Hemingway then pointed to the political fallout from Cheney’s recent actions. “Democrats believed Cheney was a valuable campaign ally. Her presence on the campaign trail with Kamala Harris during the midterms was a notable moment. However, polling indicated that Cheney’s involvement was a liability rather than an asset,” Hemingway said.
“As problematic as Cheney’s conduct has been over the years, Republicans can find a silver lining. She took her unpopular, interventionist policies and shifted them to the Democratic Party,” Hemingway concluded.
Bartiromo agreed, remarking, “Unbelievable. And it’s worth noting that the same award is being given to Hillary Clinton and George Soros, one of the Democrats’ top donors.”
In response to the controversy surrounding Cheney’s award, the White House issued a statement emphasizing her service. “Over two decades in public office, including her time as a Congresswoman for Wyoming and Vice Chair of the January 6 Committee, Liz Cheney has consistently defended the principles of freedom, dignity, and decency. Her integrity serves as a reminder of what can be accomplished when we work together across party lines,” the statement read.